A-Z: General definitions: Revelation

Definition

1. The supernatural showing of some hidden truth or person; a moment of insight where new meaning is established in the belief system of a person - an epiphany. 2. In the Bible, the name given to the last book of the New Testament, which uncovers the future.

In Western Christianity the festival of Epiphany, observed on the sixth of January, celebrates the showing of Christ to the Gentiles, in the coming of the Magi to see the child Jesus.

The Christian Bible consists of the Old Testament scriptures inherited from Judaism, together with the New Testament, drawn from writings produced from c.40-125CE, which describe the life of Jesus and the establishment of the Christian church.

A 'testament' is a covenant (binding agreement), a term used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people. The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible. Its name comes from the new covenant or relationship with God.